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E39 (1997 - 2003) The BMW 5-Series (E39 chassis) was introduced in the United States as a 1997 model year car and lasted until the 2004 when the E60 chassis was released. The United States saw several variations including the 525i, 528i, 530i and 540i. -- View the E39 Wiki

Bought a 2000 528i from a friend I know from work, it was his wife's car. It has 133,000 miles on her and the exterior and interior were in great condition. No leaks, no engine light, just needs a few things like light bulbs and new filters. Very happy with the car so far, its a comfortable ride and handles turns great.
To make oil changes easier, I bought a oil extractor from Bavarian Autosports. Its a great little unit, very durable and easy to use. And I dont have to worry about any goof-balls stripping the threading on the aluminum pan. Since this is a budget build I am keeping maintenance cost as low as I can, which means doing work myself, and utilizing local parts and fluids.
I filled up the oil extractor today and replaced the old oil with Wal-Mart's "Super Tech" Synthetic 5W-30. The previous oil hadn't been changed since 2008! It was so sludgy I couldn't even see my reflection in it. It runs a lot better with the new oil and WIX filter. My question is it really necessary to "re-set" after an oil change? Couldn't I just log the oil changes/mileage in my owners manual?
I replaced the air filter with a new "WIX" made in china but again, this is a budget project. No window tinting, no after-market exhaust, and no new rims. This car is staying as-is.

I started getting Pentosin Synthetic for 18.00/gal so I have been using that. So far so good. Frequency is more important then brand IMO. You can reset the oil change light with a paperclip connecting pins 7 and 19, free and easy!http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=327491

Do another oil change at say 1000 miles.... Them put Mobil1 in her. Actually the Walmart oil is ok for the 1000 mile flush . After that you can run 10000 miles on the Mobil 1 with no worry . Check your radiator build date on the passenger side of the radiator.... If original , you will need to do the recommended complete cooling side replacement. Nice car and welcome

Oh and I refuse to ever get service done at a Stealership. The local one here has very rude, incompetent young people as receptionist, they dont answer phones and act like I am on their time not MY time. Cant stand them. What I do need is a replacement lens for the left fog light, the bulb is burnt out also. I may just get some after-market ones off ebay. Once the basics are done, I might look into a beefier exhaust, a simple bolt one would be great so I could install it myself without welding.

Pics will be up soon, I am considering getting a profession headlight restoration, as well as new fog lights. I found a BRAND new Craftsman buffer at a garage sale. I spilled my coffee on the leather and it needs some wiping with armor all. These cup-holders....not made for Americans with their mega sized drinks. :' )

The cup holders on these cars are an after thought. Hasn't bothered me one minute since I am usually concentrating on the road and grinning at how wonderful my 14 year old e39 is.
Check this out for headlight restoration----> http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=583867

I would change the oil again soon, but not because of the brand, just because of the previous long change interval. I don't know if you warmed up the engine, but it is especially a good idea with the suction method. Search oil threads and decide what oil will work best for you long-term, most here follow the LL01 spec.

Please read the suggested threads, where the best always add value to those threads, either by pictures or by descriptions, so the next person with the same problem stands on your shoulders.
See also: E39 Bestlinks & How to easily find what you need

Ive got a power steering leak. Havent had time to locate the leak yet but hopefully its just a hose. My other car is 2003 Infiniti g35 so I am not to worried about this BMW, I might give it to my g/f if she would ever get her drivers license.